PM Modi further tweeted, “On Kargil Vijay Diwas I bow to every valiant soldier who fought for India till the very last breath. Their heroic sacrifices inspire us. India will never forget the fearlessness with which our courageous soldiers gave a befitting & unforgettable reply to the intruders. We recall with pride, the firmness demonstrated by India’s political leadership in 1999, which ensured a decisive victory in Kargil.”

On the occassion, Congress president Sonia Gandhi also paid tribute to soldiers and expressed deep gratitude towards the Indian armed forces on Kargil Vijay Diwas. Remembering the valor and sacrifice of the armed forces in defending our borders, Gandhi payed homage to the jawans, JCOs and officers of the Indian Army who laid down their lives during Operation Vijay which culminated this day. Their valour, sacrifice and spirit of ‘Nation above self’ continue to inspire an entire generation, she added.

Officers of the Indian Army and families of Kargil war heroes also paid rich tributes to Kargil war martyrs in Dras (J&K) on the occasion.

The 17th Kargil Vijay Diwas celebrations started with great fervour and enthusiasm under the aegis of the Fire and Fury Corps from July 21.

The week-long celebrations included many events involving the local residents, especially the youths and children of Drass and Kargil regions.

Indian and Pakistani armies fought the Kargil War in May-July 1999 in the Kargil district of Kashmir and elsewhere along the Line of Control (LoC).

India launched ‘Operation Vijay’ to clear the Kargil sector of infiltration by Pakistani soldiers and Kashmiri militants on the Indian side of the Line of Control.